Are you growing older in your faith—or truly growing up through intentional application of God’s Word?

In this sermon from Fellowship Bible Church, Dr. Robert Lewis challenges believers to examine whether they are spiritually maturing or merely aging in the faith. Drawing from Epistle to the Hebrews 5, he addresses Christians who had followed Christ for decades yet remained spiritually immature.

He describes three evidences of spiritual stagnation: dull hearing, an ailing appetite for truth, and failing discernment. Spiritual truth is never neutral—if not applied, it hardens the heart. Using the parable of the talents from Gospel of Matthew 25, he emphasizes that unused truth is eventually lost.

The heart of the message centers on intent and application. Maturity is not measured by biblical knowledge but by practiced obedience. Christianity becomes boring when it is merely acknowledged—but becomes an adventure when lived.

Through a powerful real-life story of a woman who chose obedience during a painful divorce, the sermon concludes with a compelling reminder: abundant life cannot be defined without application.

• Age does not equal maturity.

• Christians can expend energy yet remain spiritually stagnant.

• The “spiritual treadmill” problem.

• Written to believers mature in years but immature in growth.

• The writer pauses discussion of Melchizedek to address stagnation.

• Spiritual calluses form when truth is not applied.

• Two root causes:

  • Utility — Failing to see Scripture as useful.

  • Intent — Never intending to fully live it out.

• If truth is not used, it is lost (Matthew 25 principle).

• Stuck on elementary principles.

• Immaturity is lack of experience, not lack of knowledge.

• Maturity = practiced obedience, not accumulated information.

• Without practice, life becomes guesswork.

• Repeated conflict and instability often stem from lack of biblical discernment.

• Meditation integrates Scripture with daily living.

• The difference between reading about something and experiencing it.

• Christianity is not a job—it’s an adventure.

• Radical obedience breeds:

  • Joy

  • Freedom

  • Anticipation

  • Abundant life

• A woman applies 1 Corinthians 6 instead of retaliating.

• Intentional obedience brings freedom and restoration.

• Application leads to true spiritual adventure.

• Abundant life cannot be defined without application.

• Choose adventure over boredom.

• Apply one specific truth this week.

• Growing older in Christ does not guarantee spiritual maturity.

• Spiritual truth is never neutral—it either softens or hardens.

• If you don’t use what you’ve been given, you lose it.

• Maturity is measured by practiced obedience, not Bible knowledge.

• Discernment comes through application.

• Christianity without application is boring.

• Christianity with radical intent is an adventure.

• Abundant life begins where obedience begins.

• Hebrews 5:11–14 — Spiritual immaturity revealed through dull hearing, spiritual infancy, and lack of discernment.

• Matthew 25:14–29 — What is not used is lost; faithful application leads to growth and joy.

• Proverbs 14:12 — What seems right without wisdom leads to destruction.

• Psalms 1:1–3 — Meditating on God’s Word produces stability and fruitfulness.

• 1 Corinthians 6:7 — Better to suffer wrong than abandon obedience among believers.

• 3 John 1:4 — True joy comes from walking in the truth.

Recorded 3.14.82

How should believers respond when Scripture challenges modern cultural assumptions about gender roles, authority, and visible expressions of faith?

In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, Dr. Robert Lewis addresses one of the New Testament’s most debated and culturally sensitive passages: head coverings in worship. Framing the chapter as a theological “Rubik’s Cube,” he carefully examines Paul’s teaching on Christian tradition, authority, and God’s design for order.

Dr. Lewis explains that 1 Corinthians 11 discusses two traditions—head coverings and the Lord’s Supper—and focuses here on the doctrine behind head coverings: the principle of headship. Drawing from the relationship between God the Father and Christ, he highlights the biblical pattern of equality in essence with distinction in function. Applying this to men and women, he argues that Paul’s instruction was rooted not in temporary culture, but in creation order.

Rather than promoting legalism, the message calls believers to wrestle honestly with Scripture, to understand the meaning behind tradition, and to consider how visible practices can reflect spiritual realities. The ultimate aim is harmony, humility, and faithfulness to God’s design within the church.

• Two traditions addressed: head coverings and the Lord’s Supper

• The importance of understanding the meaning behind church practices

• God → Christ → Man → Woman

• Equality in essence, distinction in function

• Order as part of God’s design

• Worn during public prayer and prophecy

• A visible symbol of authority and distinction

• Creation order as the foundation

• Mutual dependence “in the Lord”

• Hair length as a natural distinction

• Head covering as a spiritual symbol

• Affirmed as apostolic practice among the churches

• Christian traditions are meant to communicate theological truth.

• Biblical headship reflects order, not inequality.

• Equality of worth does not eliminate functional distinction.

• Visible practices can teach and reinforce spiritual realities.

• Scripture must be wrestled with, not ignored.

• Cultural shifts do not automatically nullify biblical principles.

• Faithfulness to God’s design requires humility and courage.

1 Corinthians 11:2–16 — Head coverings reflect divine order in worship.

1 Corinthians 11:3 — The order of headship is established.

John 5:30 — Jesus submits to the Father’s will.

John 6:38 — Christ fulfills the Father’s purpose.

Philippians 2:6–11 — Equal with God, Christ humbles Himself.

Colossians 2:9 — Christ possesses full deity.

1 Peter 2:23 — Jesus models trusting submission.

Genesis 2 — Creation establishes male–female order.

1 Corinthians 11:7–9 — Creation order shapes distinct roles.

1 Corinthians 11:11–12 — Men and women are mutually dependent.

1 Peter 3:7 — Husband and wife are fellow heirs.

1 Corinthians 11:17–34 — Worship must reflect reverence and order.

1 Corinthians 14 — Corporate worship requires structure and clarity.

Recorded 2.21.82

What can we learn from Israel’s failures in the wilderness so that we do not end up in the “loser’s locker room” of the Christian life?

In this message, Pastor Robert Lewis contrasts the “winner’s locker room” of faithful living with the sobering reality of the “loser’s locker room,” where Israel’s failures serve as a warning for us today. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10, he highlights how privilege and a good beginning are not enough to guarantee a faithful finish. Israel’s story reveals four “tombstones” that brought them low—idolatry, immorality, testing God, and rebellion—each of which still threatens believers today.

Lewis also distills three broader lessons: loving God requires rejecting the world, God takes obedience seriously, and a good start doesn’t assure a strong finish. The sermon ends with a challenge: will we follow Israel’s path of defeat, or will we make the spiritual resolutions necessary to walk in victory and enter God’s promised rest?

I. The Warning of Israel’s Example (1 Cor. 10:1–6)

• Israel had great spiritual privileges (deliverance, leadership, provision).

• Despite this, most were “laid low in the wilderness.”

• Their failures serve as an indelible warning for us.

II. Four Tombstones in the Wilderness (1 Cor. 10:7–10)

1. Idolatry (v. 7; Ex. 32)

   • Replacing God with false priorities.

   • Our modern idols often involve time, attention, and misplaced devotion.

2. Immorality (v. 8; Num. 25)

   • Sexual sin destroys lives and relationships.

   • God takes purity seriously; immorality disqualifies many from usefulness.

3. Testing God (v. 9; Num. 21)

   • Living on the edge of rebellion, daring God’s patience.

   • Gal. 6 reminds us we reap what we sow.

4. Rebellion (v. 10; Num. 16)

   • Grumbling against God-given leadership.

   • Refusal to submit leads to spiritual poverty.

III. General Lessons from Israel’s Wilderness (vv. 11–12)

1. Loving God means rejecting the world (1 Jn. 2:15).

2. God takes obedience seriously—His Word leaves us without excuse.

3. A good beginning does not guarantee a good ending—take heed lest you fall.

IV. The Final Call (Heb. 4:1)

• Are you in God’s promised land, or still wandering in the wilderness?

• Today is the time to make spiritual resolutions that ensure victory.

• Privilege without obedience leads to downfall.

• Idolatry, immorality, testing God, and rebellion remain real dangers for Christians.

• Loving God requires letting go of “Egypt”—the world and its cravings.

• Obedience is not optional; it is essential to finishing well.

• A faithful start does not guarantee a faithful finish—humility and vigilance are required.

• 1 Corinthians 10:1–12 – Israel’s failures as warnings.

• Exodus 32 – The golden calf (idolatry).

• Numbers 25:1–9 – Israel’s immorality and judgment.

• Numbers 21:4–9 – Testing God with complaints.

• Numbers 16 – Korah’s rebellion.

• Hebrews 13:4 – God’s standard for sexual purity.

• Proverbs 6:32 – The destruction of adultery.

• Galatians 6:7–8 – Reaping what is sown.

• Hebrews 13:17 – Following godly leadership.

• 1 John 2:15 – Loving God vs. loving the world.

• Hebrews 4:1 – Warning against falling short of God’s rest.

Recorded 1/3/82

Guided Question

How can discipline, focus, and a pursuit of divine glory help a Christian run the race of life successfully, avoiding disqualification and achieving spiritual victory?

Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Robert Lewis uses the imagery of ancient Greek athletics to illustrate the Christian life as a race requiring discipline, direction, and a thirst for divine glory. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul’s words about athletes competing for a prize are applied to spiritual growth. Dr. Lewis emphasizes that spiritual victory is exclusive, requires intentional training and direction, and hinges on aiming to please God rather than oneself. Without a clear objective, a Christian risks falling into distraction, indulgence, or disqualification. The sermon challenges listeners to cultivate personal discipline, align their aims with God’s purposes, and pursue spiritual “gold medals” by exercising their gifts for His glory.

Outline

1. Introduction: The Athlete’s Example

   • Story of Theogenes, Greek Olympic champion

   • Greeks’ obsession with athletics mirrors the seriousness of spiritual pursuit

   • Athletic imagery sets the stage for understanding spiritual discipline

2. Exclusiveness of Victory and Truth

   • 1 Corinthians 9:24: Only one receives the prize

   • Truth is exclusive: Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6)

   • Effort and sincerity alone do not guarantee spiritual success

3. Training and Discipline (Verses 25-27)

   • Athletes endure rigorous training; Christians must exercise self-control

   • Discipline complements the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life

   • Personal discipline involves denying worldly pleasures for God’s glory

4. Direction and Purpose in the Race (Verse 26)

   • Run with a clear aim: not flailing or aimless

   • Importance of knowing spiritual gifts and God’s calling

   • Misguided aims (comfort, happiness) lead to ineffective spiritual effort

5. The Danger of Disqualification (Verse 27)

   • Lack of discipline and focus can render a Christian “useless” in service

   • Paul’s warning about being disqualified is a call to vigilance

   • Spiritual failure is not only dramatic but can be subtle (indifference, misplaced priorities)

6. Thirst for Divine Glory

   • Motivation should be God’s commendation, not human approval

   • Faith, discipline, and direction together ensure fruitful Christian living

   • Scripture references highlight the pursuit of God’s pleasure as the ultimate aim (2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 3:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-2)

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual victory requires focused effort and cannot rely solely on sincerity or human commendation.

• Discipline is essential for growth and complements the work of the Holy Spirit.

• Knowing one’s spiritual aim and gifts ensures purposeful living and avoids becoming a religious “fanatic” or disqualified servant.

• True Christian motivation is a thirst for divine glory, not comfort, happiness, or human approval.

• Maintaining clarity of aim allows a believer to run with endurance and remain faithful in service to God.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Paul’s athletic analogy for spiritual discipline

• John 14:6 – Jesus as the exclusive way to God

• Proverbs 15:32 – Discipline as a reflection of self-respect

• 2 Corinthians 5:9 – Ambition to please God

• Philippians 3:8-10 – Counting all else as loss to know Christ

• Hebrews 11:6 – Faith is required to please God

• Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running the race with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus

Recorded 12/13/81

Guided Question

How does Jesus’ identification with humanity through suffering, temptation, and resurrection empower us to reclaim the destiny God originally intended and overcome the fear of death?

Summary

In this sermon from Hebrews 2, Dr. Robert Lewis reminds listeners of the subtle spiritual drift that occurs when we focus on worldly fears and distractions rather than the truth of Christ. The message encourages believers to redirect attention to the hope and power found in Jesus Christ, who restores humanity’s lost destiny through His obedience, suffering, and resurrection. Christ not only experienced the full range of human limitations and temptations but also identifies with humanity, making Him our perfect Savior, high priest, and source of deliverance from the fear of death. The sermon closes with a personal call to invite Jesus into one’s life, experiencing His forgiveness and the fullness of God’s intended destiny.

Outline

1. The Drift Away from Faith (Hebrews 2:1)

   • Modern fears: war, terrorism, crime, economic instability

   • Spiritual drift is subtle but real, like drifting at a beach unnoticed

   • The importance of paying attention to God’s Word to prevent spiritual decline

2. Humanity’s Lost Destiny and Its Restoration (Hebrews 2:5–9; Psalm 8; Genesis 1:28)

   • Adam’s failure resulted in loss of dominion over creation

   • Christ as the Second Adam restores humanity’s intended destiny

   • Evidence of Christ’s power: miracles, healing, authority over creation

3. Jesus’ Suffering and Identification with Humanity (Hebrews 2:9–13)

   • Christ suffered death for all humanity, tasting our sin and limitations

   • Identification with humanity allows Him to call us “brethren”

   • He lived under human limitations, wrestled with faith, and experienced temptation

4. Jesus’ Victory Over the Fear of Death (Hebrews 2:14–15; Mark 4:35–41)

   • Death’s threat is rendered powerless through Christ’s resurrection

   • Fear-driven slavery to the present life is overcome through eternal perspective

   • Christ’s bodily resurrection guarantees hope and eternal life

5. Christ as Our Merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:16–18; 4:15)

   • He gives help to humanity, not angels, fully understanding human struggles

   • Able to sympathize with temptations and provide aid in our times of need

   • Practical implications: we can turn to Jesus in trials and experience His help

6. Call to Personal Faith and Eternal Destiny (Hebrews 2:1–18)

   • Salvation is accessed through faith, not works

   • Invitation to trust Christ, receive forgiveness, and embrace God’s intended destiny

   • Assurance of eternal life through the Holy Spirit

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual drift can happen quietly; staying rooted in God’s Word prevents it.

• Jesus restores humanity’s lost destiny, offering hope beyond worldly despair.

• Christ fully identifies with human struggles, temptations, and suffering.

• Death’s power is nullified through Christ’s resurrection.

• Jesus is our merciful high priest, able to aid us in every struggle.

• Eternal fulfillment and destiny are accessible through faith in Jesus Christ.

Scripture References:

• Hebrews 2:1–18

• Genesis 1:28

• Psalm 8

• Mark 4:35–41

• Isaiah 8:17

• Hebrews 4:15

Recorded 11/15/81

In a world that insists on personal rights, how can believers willingly surrender their rights to remove obstacles, love others well, and advance the gospel?

Paul’s ministry in Corinth illustrates the power of surrendering rights for the sake of the gospel. In a wealthy and suspicious culture, he chose not to accept financial support from the Corinthians so that no one could accuse him of selfish motives. Instead, he worked freely, exposing false teachers and demonstrating the purity of Christ’s message. Paul explains that he became “all things to all people” — adapting his lifestyle, preferences, and freedoms — to win others to Christ. Ultimately, giving up rights is not about loss, but about gaining purpose: advancing the gospel in others’ lives and experiencing the gospel more deeply in our own.

• Refused Corinthian financial support (1 Cor. 9:12, 18).

• Accepted aid from the Philippians instead (Phil. 4:15–16).

• Showed sincerity in a culture of materialism and profiteering.

1. Strategic Witness – To distinguish the gospel from other profit-driven religions.

2. Expose False Teachers – To “cut off opportunity” for those motivated by greed.

1. Advancing the Gospel in Others

   • To the Jews, he became as a Jew.

   • To those under the law, he lived under the law.

   • To the Gentiles, he adapted to their culture without compromising Christ.

   • To the weak, he became weak.

2. Experiencing the Gospel Personally

   • By surrendering rights, he became a “partaker of the gospel.”

   • True joy comes from joining God’s eternal mission.

• Adapt to people of different backgrounds to build bridges, not barriers.

• Evaluate whether personal preferences hinder gospel witness.

• Recognize that surrendering rights deepens both ministry impact and personal joy.

• Sacrificial ministry builds credibility and removes obstacles to faith.

• Laying down rights often exposes selfish or false motives in others.

• Flexibility in lifestyle opens doors for gospel conversations.

• True satisfaction is found in living for God’s eternal purposes, not personal gain.

• The gospel advances when believers prioritize people’s souls over personal comfort.

• 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18–23 – Paul’s decision to preach without charge and adapt to all people.

• 2 Corinthians 11:7–13 – Refusal of Corinthian support and exposure of false teachers.

• Romans 10:15 / Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

• Philippians 4:15–16 – Philippians’ support of Paul’s ministry.

Recorded 11/8/81